2016 NPL Youth Team Preview: Round 19

The Adelaide United Youth Team will face Adelaide Comets in Round 19 of the 2016 National Premier League at SA Athletics Stadium on Friday night.

In a heartbreaking end to one of Adelaide United Youth’s toughest battles last week, which could have seen them cause an upset over the league leaders, Adelaide City, the Young Reds will now switch their focus on continuing to prove their place in the competition.

There is no denying that the Young Reds have stood their ground against tough opposition, claiming points and outplaying teams on the park. Moving forward, the side must use their hard working characteristics and determination to push through the final games and get rewarded for their performances.

United Youth Team Head Coach, Mark Jones, emphasised on the fact that he is pleased with how his team are playing football, but the execution of their plays must be worked on in order to attain the deserved results.

“We have had intense training sessions including one Tuesday afternoon, early Wednesday morning and Thursday morning to prepare for Adelaide Comets on Friday evening,” Jones said.

“We are very happy with the way we have been playing, it’s just the results, and I think the results would have been different if our execution was better.

“The executions of a clearance, a pass and a finish is critical, but the tactical side and our desperation and work ethic is good, it’s just the execution of certain plays.

“To dominate an Adelaide City outfit for 68 minutes is a magnificent achievement, but we must make sure we fulfil that potential ultimately by winning games and that’s purely getting that distinction in execution and achieving excellence in that area.”

Ahead of Friday night’s clash against Comets, Jones believes that working on their executions and echoing their performance against Adelaide City, they are a chance of being the victorious side.

“The way we performed against Adelaide City, anything is possible with the remainder of matches and starting with Adelaide Comets,” Jones continued.

“I believe we can be successful and finish the season as we started it.

“Comets are fifth placed and it is not going to be an easy game, but just like every other game we will go in with confidence and determination.

“Our hard work on our executions, passing, clearing, saving and scoring goals will push us towards a win and we are very positive that we are nearly at the footballing product that we need to be."